12 



terior of the woods for his fuel, etc. In time the soil deteriorates, grass and weeds 

 follow, and then we have the characteristic border which is neither woodland nor 

 pasture. 



The development of large open grassy spots in the woodlot is usually due to 

 the effects of grazing. The old trees have been taken out and the young growth 

 destroyed by the stock until grass has taken possession and formed an impervious 

 sod in which the tree seeds find it impossible to develop. 



The above conditions may be improved in the case of the thin borders by 

 planting evergreens or coniferous trees about the border in order to form a wind- 

 break. Norway Spruce and White Pine will be found to be two of the best species 

 for this purpose. One or two rows of White Pine planted along the fences, 

 especially on the west side of the woods, which is the side most subject to winds 

 in Ontario, would make a sjDlendid protection. 



Open spots in the woods if covered with grass could be improved by roughly 

 breaking the sod and allowing the seeds to reach the mineral soil. Such break- 

 ing can be done with a disk-harrow or plow. In some cases where there is no 

 young growth to injure, it may be advisable to turn in hogs as they frequently 

 make a good seedbed by their rooting in search of grubs, seeds, etc. 



These measures are to be adopted when the surrounding trees are bearing 

 seed. If there is little chance of such areas being seeded from neighboring trees, 

 or if the owner desires to introduce better species into his woodlot, he may resort 

 to planting. 



Planting of this nature may be done by using the young plants or by sowing 

 seed. With the exception of nut trees, it will be advisable to use i^lants rather 

 than seed. Methods of planting the woodlot are similar to the methods of plant- 

 ing described elsewhere. While the general methods are similar, there are many 

 bare spots which may need special attention owing to the small amount of light 

 which is able to reach the ground. When l^reaking the sod with disk or plow is 

 impracticable it is usually possible to break spots about twelve to fifteen inches 

 square with the mattock. In these spots nuts can be dibbled or plants inserted. 



The success of planting and the vigor of growth depends on the question of 

 light as well as the condition of the soil. In general the locations that have 

 enough light to allow a development of grass may be successfully filled with young 

 tree growth. 



The woodlot should have a definite boundary with a l)elt of evergreens espe- 

 cially on the side from which the prevailing winds come. Too many woodlots 

 have no definite boundary, but are surrounded by slash. Keep a definite boundary 

 well stodked with trees and soon the woodlot will have every acre productive. 



Coppice. 



Coppice is a form of growtb in tlie woodlot which is little understood by the 

 ^average owner. Trees are reproduced from seed, cuttings, suckers and shoots. 

 "Coppice growth originates from shoots or suckers developing from the stump or 

 root collar of previous trees. The new shoots depend u]>on the root system of the 

 original tree for nourishment. In Fig. 7, one-year-old shoots may be seen which 

 have developed from a Chestnut stump. All native deciduous or hardwood trees have 

 the power of reproducing in thi^ wav, especially wliere trees are cut young and 

 at the proper season. Evergreens, with a few exceptions, as Arborvitse. never re- 

 produce in thi'5 way. Certain species, as Chestnut. Basswood, the Oaks. Elm, 



